Industry History

Flashback: Kaiser’s Zebra and Lion Interiors

August 11, 2016 By Nadeem Muaddi

In 1951, U.S. automaker Kaiser Motors debuted four special-edition vehicles at the Chicago Auto Show trimmed in exotic pelts — including zebra, lion, polar bear and horse. The designs were the brainchild of Carlton Spencer, a well known interior designer of the period. … [Read more...] about Flashback: Kaiser’s Zebra and Lion Interiors

Flashback: The Dashboard Map Rack

August 3, 2016 By Nadeem Muaddi

Long before the advent of GPS, map racks were the height of in-car global positioning technology. Similar to modern phone mounts, these receptacles were designed to keep road maps within view of drivers while still allowing them to keep their eyes on the road. While most were simple holders forged from plastic or metal, some were a lot more elaborate. For instance, check … [Read more...] about Flashback: The Dashboard Map Rack

Photo: Ford Model T Soft Top Installation

July 19, 2016 By Nadeem Muaddi

Check out this rare photo of auto upholsterers installing convertible tops on the Ford Model T. It was reportedly taken in the early 1900's at a Ford Motor Company assembly plant somewhere in the U.S. Midwest. … [Read more...] about Photo: Ford Model T Soft Top Installation

Ford Model T Upholstery Assembly Line

June 15, 2016 By Nadeem Muaddi

The Ford Model T, otherwise known as "Tin Lizzie," was manufactured from 1908 to 1927 and is generally regarded as the first affordable automobile. Most historians agree that founder Henry Ford's perfection of the assembly line is what allowed Ford Motor Company to keep prices low, thus making cars available to middle-class Americans and popularizing it as the country's primary … [Read more...] about Ford Model T Upholstery Assembly Line

What Killed the Front Bench Seat?

June 10, 2016 By Nadeem Muaddi

In 2011, we published an article lamenting the imminent death of the front bench seat. Three years later the Chevrolet Impala, the last U.S. sedan with a front bench seat, was redesigned with two front buckets and no bench option. Jalopnik recently published an article explaining why the classic seat is no more. It's a must-read for all automotive history buffs. … [Read more...] about What Killed the Front Bench Seat?